Dayton, Ohio Area Closing Costs: What Buyers Near Empire's Service Area Must Budget
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services | 20+ Years Experience
Ohio Closing Cost Quick Reference
Total closing costs (buyer): 2%–4% of purchase price
Title insurance: Buyer pays BOTH owner's and lender's policies (different from Indiana)
Transfer tax: Seller pays ~$1–$4 per $1,000 of sale price
Serving Dayton area: Empire Title covers Preble County and surrounding Ohio counties
Get a quote: (765) 935-9966
Many buyers moving to the Dayton, Ohio area from Indiana are surprised to find that Ohio closing customs are meaningfully different from what they expected. The biggest difference: in Ohio, buyers typically pay for both owner's title insurance and lender's title insurance — not just the lender's policy.
Here's a complete breakdown of what Dayton-area buyers should budget for closing costs, and how Empire Title's Ohio service area helps buyers in Preble and surrounding counties.
Ohio vs. Indiana: Key Closing Cost Differences
| Item | Indiana | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's Title Insurance | Seller pays (custom) | Buyer pays |
| Lender's Title Insurance | Buyer pays | Buyer pays |
| Transfer Tax | Seller pays ($0.10 / $100) | Seller pays (~$1–$4 / $1,000) |
| Recording Fees | Buyer pays | Buyer pays |
| Attorney Required? | No (but common) | No (but recommended) |
| Total Buyer Closing Costs | 2%–3% of loan | 2%–4% of purchase price |
Typical Ohio Closing Cost Breakdown (on a $200,000 Home)
The Owner's Title Insurance Difference Matters
Ohio buyers often don't realize they're paying for both title insurance policies. On a $200,000 purchase, this can add $600–$1,200 to closing costs compared to Indiana, where the seller traditionally covers the owner's policy. Budget for this when evaluating Ohio homes.
Empire Title's Ohio Service Area
Empire Title Service is licensed in both Indiana and Ohio. We regularly serve buyers and sellers in:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are closing costs in Ohio?
Ohio home buyers typically pay 2%–4% of the purchase price in closing costs. On a $200,000 home, that's $4,000–$8,000 in total closing costs, including lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, and recording fees.
Who pays for title insurance in Ohio?
In Ohio, buyers typically pay for both the owner's title insurance policy and the lender's title insurance policy — unlike Indiana, where the seller traditionally pays for the owner's policy. This is an important difference that affects how much Ohio buyers need to budget at closing.
What is Ohio's transfer tax?
Ohio charges a conveyance fee (transfer tax) of $1 per $1,000 of the purchase price (or $4 per $1,000 in some counties). The seller typically pays this fee in Ohio. Some Ohio counties also charge additional local fees.
Does Empire Title serve Preble County and the Dayton area?
Yes. Empire Title Service is licensed in Ohio and regularly handles closings in Preble County, including Eaton, as well as surrounding Ohio counties. Call us at (765) 935-9966 to discuss your Ohio real estate transaction.
Missy Horner
President, Empire Title Services
With over 20 years of experience in Indiana and Ohio real estate closings, Missy Horner leads Empire Title Services in providing expert title insurance, property searches, and closing coordination. A trusted resource for real estate agents, lenders, and homeowners throughout Wayne, Randolph, and Henry counties.